Pioneer Autograph Dealer Charles Hamilton's Original Red Wax Authentication Seal

Pioneer Autograph Dealer Charles Hamilton's Original Red Wax Authentication Seal

While we handle autographic material that crossed through the hands of pioneer autograph dealer Charles Hamilton on a regular basis, we rarely encounter one of his red wax authentication seals.

Hamilton was one of the most well-respected figures in the history of the autograph industry when it came to authentication and detection of forgery. 

"If he was exaggerating a bit when he claimed he could spot a forgery from across a room, by the time he branded the so-called Hitler diaries ''patent and obvious forgeries,'' in 1983, Mr. Hamilton had been proved right so many times -- that even Hugh Trevor-Roper, the British historian who had authenticated them, would have to accede to his opinion, which was eventually upheld when the forger was unmasked and convicted." - The New York Times

Charles Hamilton, Jr. (December 24, 1913 – December 11, 1996) was an American paleographer, handwriting expert, and author of historical works. He invented the term "philography" as another term for his profession. He is the author of a number of books on this topic. He was also an autograph dealer. He died in New York City at the age of 82.

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